Thongchai Jaidee was thoroughly impressed with Tiger Woods at the WGC-HSBC Champions on Thursday.

Not only was the American world number one, who is half-Thai, the perfect golfing gentleman on the course, he also attempted to speak to Thongchai, the current Asian Tour number one, in Thai language.

"On some holes we started talking about our families and about how we were playing this season. He's a really nice guy and it was easy to talk to him. He makes others feel comfortable and he was even speaking in Thai to me, like saying hello and thank you in Thai language. I enjoyed it," said Thongchai.

The full-blooded Thai battled to a 71 in the opening round at Sheshan International Golf Club to lie in equal 28^th place while Woods was four shots better to lie in tied fifth going into Friday's second round. American Nick Watney leads with a 68.

Thonghai was solid with his ball striking but his putter let him down.

"I played okay but missed a few greens. I hit 11 fairways and 13 greens but I think it'll be good tomorrow and I'll try to get better," said Thongchai, who has won twice in Indonesia and Korea this season.

"Conditions were good for scoring and the greens were not hard and you could see it in the scores. If the weather stays good, scores will be good. I'll be trying to catch up tomorrow."

The only drawback that Thongchai sees from playing with the 14-time Major champion is the large number of fans and media following the marquee group which included Ross Fisher of England, who won last week's Volvo World Match Play Championship.

"It is difficult as there are so many people around moving after Tiger finishes his hole. You need to concentrate really well which I'll have to do again tomorrow," said Thongchai, whose card included three birdies against two bogeys.

Asia's top finisher was Chinese Taipei's Lin Wen-tang. The ever-smiling Lin said being in a relaxed mood helped him to perform well where his 67 matched Woods' opening round.

"This is my third World Golf Championships and I have been learning a lot. On the 12th hole, I nearly made a hole in one and it got my round going. I had a very good score," said Lin, who romped home in 32.

"This tournament has many superstars, so I told my caddie, we are the local player, but let's enjoy the tournament. I am taking a learning attitude and also I've been trying to keep myself relaxed. I'm happy," said Lin, who finished second on the Asian Tour's Order of Merit last season.

Randhawa, Asia's number one 2002, produced some of his best golf of the year with a 68 which saw him end the day in tied ninth, four behind the leader.

"I got my swing back into the groove after a long time and it felt good. I putted well, just coming in I wished I made a few more putts as the greens were fast and true but it's the best that I've hit in the past two or three months. I'm really happy," said the Indian.

He said being in the company of the world's leading players in Asia's first WGC event was a challenge. "If you play good golf, you can play good anywhere. I've played this course a few times before and it helps with the local knowledge.

"Anywhere you play, you just play your own game. That is what I always try to do, play my own game, relax and do the best that I can. It's the same whether it's a Major or being back home. You just stay committed to the shots and stay relaxed."

Singapore's Lam Chih Bing was also happy to post a 71, his first under-par score in five WGC rounds.

"I played pretty solid but made two bogeys coming in which were pretty disappointing. But I'm happy as I shot under par. I played pretty solid but those late bogeys hurt a bit. On the last hole, I drove it into the water which is disappointing as you are always looking for birdie on a par five," said Lam

"I've got no complaints. It's my first under par round in a WGC event, so I'm satisfied. I'll try to improve on my scores over the next few days. Just keep on what I'm doing."\